U.S. patent application number 10/607230 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-30 for method and system for bidirectional data and power transmission.
This patent application is currently assigned to Abet Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Greene, Daniel L., Hair, James M. III.
Application Number | 20040263321 10/607230 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33540220 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040263321 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hair, James M. III ; et
al. |
December 30, 2004 |
Method and system for bidirectional data and power transmission
Abstract
A method and system for bidirectional data and power
transmission are shown and described. An exemplary embodiment
comprises a current receiver, including a microprocessor and a
driver, and a plurality of nodes connected to the current receiver
through a plurality of wires that allow both power supply and
bidirectional data transfer between the current receiver and the
plurality of nodes. The use of the plurality of wires for both
power and data transmission offers significant advantages over the
prior art in terms of weight reduction and system modularity.
Inventors: |
Hair, James M. III;
(Cheyenne, WY) ; Greene, Daniel L.; (Cheyenne,
WY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARDNER CARTON & DOUGLAS LLP
ATTN: PATENT DOCKET DEPT.
191 N. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 3700
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Abet Technologies, LLC
Evanston
IL
|
Family ID: |
33540220 |
Appl. No.: |
10/607230 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
370/276 ;
340/538.15; 340/870.07 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 2203/5458 20130101;
H04B 3/548 20130101; H04B 2203/5491 20130101; H04B 3/54 20130101;
H04B 2203/5425 20130101; H04B 2203/547 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/310.01 |
International
Class: |
H04M 011/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A bidirectional data and power transmission system for
distributing both DC power and data over a plurality of wires, the
system comprising: a power source; a controller electrically
connected to the power source and to the plurality of wires, the
controller comprising a current sensor, a controller
microprocessor, and a current receiver circuit; a node electrically
connected to the current receiver through the plurality of wires,
the node comprising an active current sink, a node microprocessor,
and a load; and wherein the power source supplies a DC voltage.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wires is a pair
of wires.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller also comprises a
driver comprising a transistor bridge for switching the polarity of
the DC voltage on the plurality of wires in response to voltage
control signals from the controller microprocessor.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the driver comprises at least one
switch, at least one buffer, and at least one bridge driver for
conditioning the voltage control signals from the controller
microprocessor.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the active current sink is
controlled using at least one digital output from the node
microprocessor.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the load has a sensor adapted to
produce a sensor signal that corresponds to a measurement of a
physical state, the sensor signal being adapted for transmission
from the node to the controller using the node microprocessor and
the active current sink.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the load comprises an actuator
adapted to receive an actuator signal from the controller and to
change a physical state associated with the system in response to
the actuator signal.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the power received at the node
from the controller is passed through a full-wave rectifier and a
passive filter before being supplied to the load.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the current sensor comprises a
low impedance resistor and the current receiver circuit comprises
an integrator and a comparator.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the current sensor comprises a
hall sensor and the current receiver circuit comprises an
integrator and a comparator.
11. A controller for supplying power and for sending and receiving
data from a node in a bidirectional data and power transmission
system, the controller comprising: a controller microprocessor; a
power source adapted to supply a DC voltage; a plurality of wires
electrically connected to the power source and to the node; a
current sensor electrically connected to the power source and to
the plurality of wires; a current receiver circuit comprising an
amplifier, an integrator, and a comparator, the current receiver
circuit adapted to receive an input signal from the current sensor
and to supply an output signal to the controller microprocessor;
and a driver comprising a transistor bridge for switching the
polarity of the DC voltage on the plurality of wires in response to
voltage control signals from the controller microprocessor.
12. The controller of claim 11, wherein the plurality of wires is a
pair of wires.
13. The controller of claim 11, wherein the driver comprises at
least one switch, at least one buffer, and at least one bridge
driver for conditioning the voltage control signals from the
controller microprocessor.
14. The controller of claim 11, wherein the current sensor
comprises a low impedance resistor and the current receiver circuit
is connected in parallel across the current sensor.
15. The controller of claim 11, wherein the current sensor
comprises a hall sensor and the current receiver circuit is
connected to the outputs of the hall sensor.
16. A node for receiving power and for sending and receiving data
from a controller in a bidirectional data and power transmission
system, the node comprising: a node microprocessor; a plurality of
wires electrically connected to the controller; a load selected
from the group consisting of a sensor and an actuator; a power
conditioning circuit comprising a full-wave rectifier and a passive
filter for receiving power in from the plurality of wires and
supplying power out to the load; a data conditioning circuit
comprising a detector for receiving data in from the controller on
the plurality of wires and supplying data out to the
microprocessor; and an active current sink controlled by at least
one digital output from the node microprocessor.
17. The node of claim 16, wherein the plurality of wires is a pair
of wires.
18. The node of claim 16, wherein the load is a sensor adapted to
produce a sensor signal that corresponds to a measurement of a
physical state, the sensor signal being adapted for transmission
from the node to the controller using the node microprocessor and
the active current sink.
19. The node of claim 16, wherein the load is an actuator adapted
to receive an actuator signal from the controller and to change a
physical state associated with the system in response to the
actuator signal.
20. A bidirectional data and power transmission system for
distributing both DC power and data over a plurality of wires, the
system comprising: a power source adapted to supply a DC voltage; a
controller electrically connected to the power source and to the
plurality of wires, the controller comprising a current sensor, a
controller microprocessor, a current receiver circuit, and a driver
comprising a transistor bridge capable of switching the polarity of
the DC voltage on the plurality of wires in response to voltage
control signals from the controller microprocessor; and a node
electrically connected to the controller through the plurality of
wires, the node comprising an active current sink, a node
microprocessor, and a load.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the plurality of wires is a
pair of wires.
22. The system of claim 20, wherein the driver also comprises at
least one switch, at least one buffer, and at least one bridge
driver for conditioning the voltage control signals from the
controller microprocessor.
23. The system of claim 20, wherein the active current sink is
controlled using at least one digital output from the node
microprocessor.
24. The system of claim 20, wherein the load comprises a sensor
adapted to produce a sensor signal that corresponds to a
measurement of a physical state, and wherein the sensor signal is
transmitted from the node to the controller using the node
microprocessor and the active current sink.
25. The system of claim 20, wherein the load comprises an actuator
adapted to receive an actuator signal from the node and to change a
physical state associated with the system in response to the
actuator signal.
26. The system of claim 20, wherein the power received at the node
from the controller is passed through a full-wave rectifier and a
passive filter before being supplied to the load.
27. The system of claim 20, wherein the current sensor comprises a
low impedance resistor and the current receiver circuit comprises
an integrator and a comparator.
28. The system of claim 20, wherein the current sensor comprises a
hall sensor and the current receiver circuit comprises an
integrator and a comparator.
29. A controller for supplying power and for sending and receiving
data from a node in a bidirectional data and power transmission
system, the controller comprising: a controller microprocessor; a
power source adapted to supply a DC voltage; a plurality of wires
electrically connected to the power source and to the node; a
current sensor electrically connected to the power source and to
the plurality of wires; a current receiver circuit comprising an
amplifier, an integrator, and a comparator, the current receiver
circuit adapted to receive an input signal from the current sensor
and to supply an output signal to the microprocessor; and a driver
comprising a transistor bridge for switching the polarity of the DC
voltage on the plurality of wires in response to voltage control
signals from the controller microprocessor, the voltage control
signals being conditioned for supply to the transistor bridge by at
least one switch, at least one buffer, and at least one bridge
driver.
30. The controller of claim 29, wherein the plurality of wires is a
pair of wires.
31. The controller of claim 29, wherein the current sensor
comprises a low impedance resistor and the current receiver circuit
is connected in parallel across the current sensor.
32. The controller of claim 29, wherein the current sensor
comprises a hall sensor and the current receiver circuit is
connected to the hall sensor.
33. A bidirectional data and power transmission system for
distributing both DC power and data over a plurality of wires, the
system comprising: a means for supplying a DC voltage; a means for
receiving a current signal and supplying the current signal to a
controller microprocessor, the means for receiving a current signal
being electrically connected to the means for supplying a DC
voltage; and a means for detecting a change in DC voltage polarity
and for receiving power from the DC voltage, the means for
detecting being electrically connected to the means for receiving
and the means for supplying.
34. The system of claim 33, wherein the plurality of wires is a
pair of wires.
35. The system of claim 33, wherein the means for receiving
comprises a means for switching the polarity of the DC voltage on
the plurality of wires in response to a voltage control signal from
the controller microprocessor.
36. The system of claim 33, wherein the means for detecting
comprises a means for producing a sensor signal that corresponds to
a measurement of a physical state, and wherein the sensor signal is
transmitted from the means for detecting to the means for
receiving.
37. The system of claim 33, wherein the means for detecting
comprises a means for changing a physical state associated with the
system in response to the change in DC voltage polarity.
38. A method of transmitting power and bidirectional data through a
plurality of wires, the method comprising steps of: transmitting a
DC voltage with a polarity to a node for use in powering a load
connected to the node; switching the polarity of the DC voltage in
accordance with a control signal to the node; and actively sinking
current at the node in order to send a response signal.
39. The method of claim 38, further comprising the steps of:
generating the control signal using at least one controller output
line; and generating the response signal using a node output
line.
40. The method of claim 38, wherein, in the step of switching, the
switching is accomplished through a driver comprising a transistor
bridge.
41. The method of claim 38, wherein, in the step of actively
sulking, the sinking is accomplished through an active current sink
comprising a network of transistors and resistors.
42. The method of claim 38, further comprising the steps of:
rectifying the DC voltage received at the node, and filtering the
DC voltage received at the node.
43. The method of claim 38 wherein the plurality of wires is a pair
of wires.
44. A method for driving a transistor bridge, the method comprising
the steps of: switching a first transistor in the transistor bridge
off; switching a second transistor in the transistor bridge on
after the first transistor is turned off; and balancing a first
input capacitance of the first transistor with a second input
capacitance of the second transistor.
45. A circuit block adapted to prevent shorting of a power source
across a transistor bridge including a first transistor and a
second transistor, comprising: a resistor adapted to prevent
currents from flowing and increase a time constant for turning on
the second transistor; and a capacitor of capacitance approximately
equal to the difference in input capacitance between the first
transistor and the second transistor.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention generally relates to methods and systems for
distributing electrical power and data. In particular, the
invention relates to a method and system for transmitting power and
data using a single set of wires.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Microprocessors are found in almost every electronic device
that we use in our day-to-day lives. One important application of
microprocessors has been in the control of electronic devices
installed in vehicles, including automobiles, buses, and airplanes.
In the past, many critical automobile functions have been
accomplished mechanically. Automobile functions such as like wheel
differential adjustments and engine timing are now controlled using
sensors and actuators electrically connected to
microprocessors.
[0003] Microprocessors provide well-known advantages, including
making diagnostics and repairs easier in complicated machines.
Microprocessors have also been used to improve the efficiency of
machines when used with sensors and actuators in a feedback loop,
obtaining more efficient modes of operation. There are, however,
some disadvantages to the use of microprocessors.
[0004] A look under the hood of a newer automobile may be enough to
see one disadvantage to microprocessor use: before microprocessors
became small enough and reliable enough to be installed in
automobiles, it was possible to see how separate engine parts were
connected, and even to see the road underneath. Nowadays engine
parts are covered by wires and cables that run from sensors and
actuators attached to the mechanical parts to microprocessors used
for control. Extra wires and cables are disadvantageous: every
extra wire installed consumes power and adds weight. More wires
also make maintenance harder.
[0005] Unfortunately, it has been largely impossible for wires to
be eliminated from most microprocessor system designs.
Conventionally, a separate wire has been required for power,
ground, and each of a plurality of data transmission lines between
a microprocessor and one or more sensors or actuators attached
thereto.
[0006] There is, therefore, a need for a method and system that can
eliminate extra wiring used in power and data systems.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention meets the foregoing need with a method
and system that provide both power and bidirectional data
transmission through a single set of wires (usually, a single
pair). In an embodiment, the present invention uses a high-speed
power transistor bridge to provide power and send control signals
from a controller to a node by switching voltage polarity. The node
may then respond with response signals using an active current
sink. The response signals are received by a sensitive current
receiver circuit at the controller. Both the controller and the
node use microprocessors for processing the signals sent and
received.
[0008] In a first embodiment, the present invention comprises a
system that includes a pair of wires, a power source adapted to
supply a DC voltage, a controller, and a plurality of nodes. The
pair of wires is used to connect the controller to the plurality of
nodes, providing both power and bidirectional data transmission for
the nodes. In this embodiment, the controller includes a controller
microprocessor, a current sensor, and a current receiver circuit.
Each node includes an active current sink, a node microprocessor,
and a load, which may be either a sensor or an actuator.
[0009] Although in low voltage and power applications it is
possible to build a controller capable of sending signals from the
controller to the nodes by connecting the controller microprocessor
directly to the set of wires, in an embodiment of the present
invention, the controller sends signals to the nodes using a driver
comprising a power transistor bridge. The controller microprocessor
is connected to the driver through switches, buffers, and bridge
drivers that condition voltage control signals from the controller
microprocessor for supply to the power transistor bridge. The power
transistor bridge is thus capable of switching the voltage polarity
from the power source on the set of wires in response to different
voltage control signals from the controller microprocessor, as
described in the section entitled DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION, below.
[0010] In an embodiment, power is received at each node through a
full-wave rectifier (in an embodiment, a diode bridge) and a
passive filter. The passive filter components are selected to match
the sensor or actuator load on the node, but may in some
embodiments be a simple capacitor. Each node also includes a node
microprocessor that, in an embodiment, receives voltage polarity
reversal signals from the controller through a bipolar transistor
switch. The node microprocessor sends signals through the set of
wires (and hence, eventually to the controller) through a digital
output connected to an active current sink. In an embodiment, the
active current sink includes a combination of bipolar and
field-effect transistors.
[0011] The controller also includes, in an embodiment, a current
sensor and a current receiver circuit for detecting signals sent
from the node to the controller. The current sensor may be either a
low impedance resistor or a hall sensor, with the current receiver
circuit including an integrator, diode network, and comparator. In
some embodiments, an analog gate controlled by the controller
microprocessor is used instead of a diode network. The current
sensor and current receiver circuit together are capable of
detecting signals from the node and supplying a corresponding
digital signal to the controller microprocessor.
[0012] The present invention may be implemented in a variety of
environments, including passenger vehicles (such as automobiles,
motorcycles, or buses), aircraft (such as commercial or military
airplanes, helicopters, or rockets), and buildings (such as homes
or offices). The versatility and modularity of the invention
provides an advantage over the prior art, since an installation in
a different environment requires few aspects of the system to be
redesigned for installation in the different environment.
[0013] The present invention also includes a method for supplying
power and sending data back and forth between a controller and a
node. In an embodiment, power from a DC voltage power source is
supplied to the nodes through a set of wires. Data is sent from the
controller to the node by switching the polarity of the DC voltage
on the set of wires, and data is sent from the node to the
controller by actively sinking current on the set of wires. The
data is processed using microprocessors connected to the controller
and the node. In an embodiment, the method uses a protocol
specially adapted for use with the system of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing and other objects, advantages, and features of
the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed
description and the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a complete system, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2A shows a circuit diagram of a power source, a current
sensor, and a current receiver circuit including a diode network,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in which
a low impedance resistor is used as a current sensor;
[0017] FIG. 2B shows a circuit diagram of a power source, a current
sensor, and a current receiver circuit including a diode network,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in which
a hall sensor is used as a current sensor;
[0018] FIG. 2C shows a circuit diagram of a power source, a current
sensor, and a current receiver circuit including an analog gate, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in which a
low impedance resistor is used as a current sensor;
[0019] FIG. 2D shows a circuit diagram of a power source, a current
sensor, and a current receiver circuit including an analog gate, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in which a
hall sensor is used as a current sensor;
[0020] FIG. 3A shows a logical block diagram of a driver, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3B shows a circuit diagram of a first embodiment of a
driver, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 3C shows a circuit diagram of a second embodiment of a
driver, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 4A shows a circuit diagram of a first embodiment of a
node, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 4B shows a circuit diagram of a second embodiment of a
node, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
present invention in which a system has been installed in an
automobile;
[0026] FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the automobile, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention in which a
system has been installed in a military aircraft;
[0028] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention in which a
system has been installed in an office building;
[0029] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a controller microprocessor,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 9 shows a timing diagram for communications between a
controller and a node microprocessor in response to a Poll Sensor
command, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0031] FIG. 10 shows a timing diagram for communications between a
controller and a node microprocessor in response to a Shift Data
command, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] The present invention generally provides a lighter, lower
power, robust, and easy to maintain method and system for
transmitting power and bidirectional data between a central unit
(the "controller") and a plurality of nodes, which are connected to
either sensor or actuator "loads." The present invention requires
only two wires for connecting the controller to the plurality of
nodes, although more than two wires could be used if so desired.
Both power and data are sent simultaneously through the two wires.
Power is provided as a DC voltage difference. Data is sent in a
first direction (from the controller to one of the plurality of
nodes) by switching the polarity of the DC voltage, and in a second
direction (from one of the plurality of nodes to the controller) by
actively sinking current at the node.
[0033] As is known to those of skill in the art, sensors include
any electronic device capable of generating a signal corresponding
to a measurement of a physical state. For example, in an
automobile, sensors might include speedometers, odometers,
thermostats, fuel and oil gauges, or battery meters. Actuators
include any electronic device capable of receiving a signal and
changing a physical state in response. In an automobile, actuators
include, for example, headlamps, windshield wipers, climate
controls, window motors, door locks, or fuel injection controls.
Sensors are used to generate an electronic signal from a physical
state; actuators are used to change a physical state using an
electronic signal.
[0034] An embodiment of a complete power and bidirectional data
transmission system 100 is shown in FIG. 1 as a block diagram. The
system 100 includes a battery 110 as a power source, a current
sensor and current receiver circuit 105, a controller
microprocessor 125, and a driver 120. A voltage/current
input/output ("V/C I/O") line and battery ground ("BG") line
connect the current sensor and current receiver circuit 105 and the
driver 120. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, what is herein
referred to as "the controller" includes the combination of
controller microprocessor 125, current sensor and current receiver
circuit 105, and (optionally) driver 120.
[0035] Although a battery 110 is shown as the power source in the
embodiment of FIG. 1, in various other embodiments of the present
invention the power source may be an electrochemical cell or fuel
cell, although an AC voltage supply, transformer, and rectifier
could also be used. In an embodiment of the present invention in
which the system is installed in a passenger vehicle, such as an
automobile, motorcycle, or bus, the power source would generally be
an electrochemical cell (i.e., a battery). In an embodiment of the
present invention that is installed in a building, such as an
office or home, an AC voltage supply, transformer, and rectifier
might be used as the power source.
[0036] In addition to acting as a conditioner for the power source,
in an embodiment the controller provides central coordination of
all data transmitted within the system: any data transmitted on the
set of wires passes through the controller, including any data
intended only for transfer from a first node to a second node.
Advantageously, this logical architecture for data transmission
with the system of the present invention allows for a more robust
system; data transmission within the system is possible regardless
of how many nodes have been disabled or destroyed.
[0037] The controller microprocessor 125 provides central
intelligence for the entire system 100. In the embodiment of FIG.
1, which may be installed in a passenger vehicle, the transmit line
("Tx") of the controller microprocessor 125 is shown disconnected
and the receive line ("Rx") is shown connected to the current
sensor and current receiver circuit 105. In a different embodiment,
both Tx and Rx might be connected to the current sensor and current
receiver circuit 105. In still another embodiment, the Tx line
might be connected to the driver 120 while the Rx line is connected
to the current receiver circuit 105. Also in the embodiment of FIG.
1, the digital output lines ("+P", "-P", "+N", and "-N") of the
controller microprocessor 125 are connected directly to the driver
120 for use in controlling the voltage polarity on the pair of
positive and negative nominal lines ("+NOM" and "-NOM") that run
from the driver 120 to the plurality of nodes 1 through N:
represented as the sequence of Node 1 (140), Node 2 (160), and Node
N (180).
[0038] Nodes (140, 160, and 180) are used for direct control of
measurements and changes to physical states carried out by the
sensor and actuator loads (135, 155, and 175) connected to the
system 100. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the plurality of nodes (1
through N) 140, 160, and 180 is connected to driver 120 in serial
along the set of wires +NOM and -NOM. In turn, the nodes 140, 160,
and 180 are connected by positive and negative power lines ("+POW"
and "-POW") to loads 135, 155, and 175, respectively, which may be
sensors or actuators as is necessary for a particular installation.
The last node 180 is denoted node "N" because, in accordance with
various embodiments of the present invention, the number of nodes
"N" could be fewer than ten, as many as several hundred, or more.
Finally, as shown in FIG. 1, the nodes 140, 160, and 180 are also
connected by receive and transmit lines ("Rx" and "Tx") to node
microprocessors 145, 165, and 185, respectively.
[0039] Although not strictly necessary for the present invention,
FIG. 1 also shows regulators 115, 112, 114, and 116 connected to
both the current sensor and current receiver circuit 105 and to
each of the nodes. The regulators provide a stable reference
voltage and a source of power for low power usage--for example, for
powering the digital logic of the controller and node
microprocessors (125, 145, 165, and 185).
[0040] The current sensor and current receiver circuit 105 is
adapted to receive signals generated by sinking of current at a
node. Presently, four different embodiments of a current sensor and
current receiver circuit 105 are contemplated for use in the
present invention. In two embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, a
low impedance resistor 215 is used as a current sensor in the
circuits 200 and 250. In another two embodiments shown in FIGS. 2B
and 2D, a hall sensor 255 is used as a current sensor in the
circuit 225 and 275.
[0041] The circuit 200 shown in FIG. 2A includes a power source 110
and a five-volt regulator 210, in addition to the low impedance
resistor 215. An embodiment of the current receiver circuit is
connected in parallel across the resistor 215. In this embodiment,
the low impedance current sensing resistor 215 might be about 0.05
Ohm. As shown, the low impedance resistor 215 is in series with the
power source 110 and the V/C I/O line, which runs to the driver 120
(not shown in FIG. 2A).
[0042] When the circuit 200 is in operation, a change in current
with time on the V/C I/O line causes a voltage drop across the low
impedance resistor 215. The voltage drop is transferred through
gain resistor 204 and compensation resistor 202 to the base and
emitter of bipolar transistor 206. The network of transistors 206
and 208 acts as a signal amplifier in this embodiment of the
current receiver circuit. The collector of transistor 206 is
connected through gain control resistor 216 to the power source
ground (or "battery ground"). The amplified signal at the collector
of transistor 206, which has a nominal +5V voltage, is supplied to
the positive input of operational amplifier ("op-amp") 240. A diode
biasing network 218, integration resistor 226, and op-amp
integrator 230 are connected to the negative input of op-amp 240,
with resistor 226 and capacitor 228 forming the integration network
for the op-amp integrator 230. The op-amp voltage follower 220 is
connected to the five-volt regulator 210, and acts as a voltage
bias stabilization source for the circuit 200. Two op-amp
comparators 223 and 235 are used in circuit 200. The comparator 223
also acts as a bias driver for the diode biasing network 218. The
output of comparator 235 serves as an Rx line for supply to the
controller microprocessor 125 (not shown in FIG. 2A).
[0043] An alternative embodiment of the current sensor and current
receiver circuit 105 is shown as the circuit 250 in FIG. 2C. The
circuit 250 is generally similar to the circuit 200; however, there
are several important differences. First, the pair of transistors
206 and 208 of circuit 200 (and their biasing resistors 202, 204,
214, and 216) are replaced in circuit 250 with a block of resistor
203, op-amp 207, and transistor 209, which are commercially
available as a current sensor block--for example, from TEXAS
INSTRUMENTS. Second, the diode biasing network 218 of circuit 200
is replaced in circuit 250 with an analog gate 219. The analog gate
219 generally allows for the op-amps 220 and 223 of circuit 200 to
be eliminated. In an embodiment, a 4066 quad-gate chip provides the
analog gate 219; however, as will be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art, other analog gate packages might also be
used. Third, the circuit 250 provides a set of capacitors 282 and
286, and a potentiometer 284 for calibration of the signal
comparator 235. The output of the comparator 235 will be high when
the output of the integrator 231 remains stable at +5V.
[0044] Advantageously, the analog gate 219 also allows for the
integration of signals to be switched on or off using an
integration control transistor 290. In operation, when a node is
sinking current, the transistor 290 will pull the analog gate 219
open, so that the current level of voltage on the output of op-amp
261 is held. Conversely, when voltage polarity is being switched,
the inputs to the analog gate 219 are shorted (or connected across
an impedance of between about 400 Ohm and 500 Ohm), connecting the
output of op-amp 261 to the negative input of the integrator
231.
[0045] The current sensor and current receiver circuits 200 and 250
are generally suitable for use with currents of less than about 30
Amps. If larger currents are desirable, the current sensor and
current receiver circuits 225 and 275 of FIGS. 2B and 2D provide
advantages. In the embodiments of FIGS. 2B and 2D, the low
impedance resistors 215 of FIGS. 2A and 2C are supplanted by a hall
sensor 255. However, the circuits 225 and 275 still include a power
source 110, five-volt regulator 210, and a network of op-amps
acting as integrators, drivers, and comparators.
[0046] Hall inductive DC current sensors are standard,
off-the-shelf components available from a number of electronic
equipment manufacturers. Most hall sensors include a slotted
ferrite ring core. In the slot is a hall chip. A compensation coil
is wrapped around the ring in a toroidal (donut-like) shape, and
the hole through the center of the toroidal coil allows a conductor
to be passed through the center of the ring. When a current passes
through the main conductor, a magnetic field is developed around
the conductor. The magnetic field is concentrated by the ferrite
core and sensed by the hall chip. The direction of the current
determines the output voltage polarity of the hall device. If a
small current opposing the main conductor current is allowed to
flow through the compensation coil, the two currents may oppose one
another, causing the hall chip to produce a zero voltage output.
The hall sensor works with both DC and AC current.
[0047] Turning to FIG. 2B, there is shown in circuit 225 how the
hall sensor 255 is connected in serial with the V/C I/O line, and
also to battery ground. The positive and negative outputs of the
hall sensor ("+" and "-" in FIG. 2B) are connected to the current
receiver circuit of FIG. 2B. The negative output goes to the
positive input of noninverting op-amp 257, the output of which is
fed back to its negative input through the diode array 256 and
capacitor 276. The output of op-amp 257 also runs through a high
impedance resistor 258 (about 10 kOhm) to the negative input of
integrating op-amp 265. (The capacitor 262 and resistor 258 form
the integrating network for the op-amp integrator 265.) The output
of the op-amp integrator 265 is fed to the base of emitter follower
transistor 254 and current limiting resistor 252, and then on
through the compensation coil of the hall sensor 255 to battery
ground. Thus, a complete loop is closed for detecting variations of
current on the V/C I/O line.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 2D, the circuit 275 provides advantages to
circuit 225 similar to those that circuit 250 provides to circuit
200--the diode network 256 of circuit 225 in FIG. 2B has been
replaced by an analog gate 219 in the circuit 275 of FIG. 2D. Also,
an integration control transistor 290 allows for control of the
integration of signals from nodes, and a set of capacitors 282 and
286 and potentiometer 284 allow for tuning of the comparator
235.
[0049] Note that the op-amp 270 of circuit 225 (FIG. 2B)
corresponds to the op-amp 220 of circuit 200 (FIG. 2A), acting as a
voltage follower for the five-volt regulator 210 and providing a
stable reference voltage for the rest of the circuit 250. The
reference voltage is used in circuit 225 for the positive input to
the op-amp integrator 265, the positive input for the comparator
235 (whose output provides the Rx signal for the controller
microprocessor 125), and the op-amp driver 260 for the diode
network 256. Advantageously, the circuits 250 and 275 of FIGS. 2C
and 2D allow for such voltage followers to be eliminated.
[0050] Referring again to FIG. 2B, the operation of the circuit 225
shall be described in more detail. In operation, the hall sensor
255 indicates changes in the current on the V/C I/O line by
changing the voltage difference between its positive and negative
outputs. Voltage changes are sensed by op-amp 257 and passed
through diode array 256 and the op-amp integrator 265. Output of
the integrator 265 runs to the emitter follower 254, which varies
the current through current limiting resistor 252 and the
compensation coil of the hall sensor 255 such that the current
coming from the V/C I/O line is counterbalanced. Although the
current flowing through the V/C I/O line is large, and the current
flowing through the compensation coil of the hall sensor 255 is
small, the many turns in the compensation coil increase the
effective amperage to counterbalance the current on the
compensation coil and the V/C I/O line.
[0051] Small changes in current on the V/C I/O line are eventually
reflected in voltage changes on the Rx signal out line. When a
small change in current is detected by the hall sensor 255, the
output of the op-amp 257 will show the change to op-amp comparator
235, the output of which runs to the controller processor. Large
changes in current on the V/C I/O line may also be detected, in
which case the output of the op-amp 257 will be very large. The
back-to-back Zener diodes 266 (with about 2.4V breakdown voltage)
allow for greater than 3V voltage excursions by the output of
op-amp 257. The Zener diodes 266 are connected (around the diode
array 256 and the integrating resistor 258) by a shunt resistor
264. The shunting effectively speeds up integration by the op-amp
265, integration resistor 258, and integration capacitor 262. The
feedback loop for the compensation coil is, in turn, dramatically
quicker. The shunting Zener diodes 266 and resistor 264 allow
active sinking of very high currents at the nodes.
[0052] In various embodiments of the present invention, the current
receiver circuit (one of circuits 200, 225, 250 or 275) works in
conjunction with a driver 120 to control the voltage on the +NOM
and -NOM lines that run to nodes. A logical block diagram 300 of
the driver is shown in FIG. 3A, along with a circuit diagram 350 of
one embodiment of the driver in FIG. 3B. The driver 120 is optional
for use with the present invention to the extent that lower power
or lower speed +NOM and -NOM lines could be controlled by simple
modifications of the current receiver circuit--for example, by
adding a bipolar transistor H-bridge 315 to the V/C I/O and battery
ground lines of FIGS. 2A and 2B. But the H-bridge 315 of power
Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) of the
driver diagram 300 allows for much faster and higher-powered
voltage switching on the +NOM and -NOM lines.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the controller microprocessor
125 has in some embodiments four digital outputs connected to the
driver 120: plus positive, plus negative, minus positive, and minus
negative ("+P", "+N", "-P", and "-N"). In an embodiment, these four
lines will vary between a digital low of zero V and a digital high
of +5V. In many embodiments, the DC voltage difference between the
V/C I/O and battery ground lines will be much larger--for example,
between +13.6 V and zero V. Level transfer devices 312, 314, 316,
and 318 serve to up-convert the voltage levels to that of the V/C
I/O line to ground voltage difference. In the embodiment of FIG.
3C, the controller microprocessor 125 has a single digital output
(Tx) that is connected to the driver across a transistor 390.
[0054] One embodiment of the level transfer devices 312, 314, 316,
and 318 in FIG. 3A is shown in FIG. 3B, wherein the NPN bipolar
transistors 362, 364, 366, and 368 serve as level transfer devices
in circuit 350. In such an embodiment resistors 352 are placed in
series with the base, and for the +lines (transistors 362 and 364)
resistors (354 and 376) are placed between collector and V/C I/O
line. For example, for a voltage level transfer from +5V to +13.6V,
4.7 kOhm resistors are selected for base resistors 352 and 1 kOhm
resistors for collector resistors 354 and 376.
[0055] In a second embodiment of the driver circuit, circuit 375
shown in FIG. 3C, the +P, +N, -P, and -N lines from the controller
microprocessor 125 are replaced with a single output line "TxD"
from the controller microprocessor 125. The TxD line runs to the
gate of depletion-type MOSFET transistor 390 and across a high
impedance resistor 392 (about 100 kOhm) to battery ground. The
drain of the transistor 390 is tied to a line that runs to the
battery terminal through resistor 394, and the source of the
transistor 390 is tied to battery ground. A common buffer 360 is
connected in parallel with the resistor 394 to the drain of
transistor 390.
[0056] The circuit 375 of FIG. 3C also solves an important problem:
the H-bridge transistors for either the +NOM or the -NOM line (that
is, for the +NOM line, 310 and 340 in FIG. 3B, or 311 and 341 in
FIG. 3C) must not be on at the same time. If both +NOM or -NOM
H-bridge transistors are on, then the power source 110 will be
shorted across the H-bridge transistors. In the embodiment of FIG.
3B, this problem is solved using software on the controller
microprocessor 125, which controls the +P, +N, -P, and -N lines.
Using the software, the lines are all turned off momentarily before
the H-bridge switches from the +NOM to -NOM state or back. This
effectively avoids a short of the power source 110 across the
H-bridge. The circuit 375 of FIG. 3C, however, solves the same
problem without recourse to software, and without four separate
lines controlling the H-bridge.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 3C, the circuit block 396 prevents the
sets of transistors 311 and 341 from being turned on at the same
time and thereby shorting the power source 110. (Circuit block 398
operates in substantially the same manner as circuit block 396;
thus, only circuit block 396 is described herein.) In circuit block
396, resistor 382 prevents large rushes of current from flowing
between transistors 311 and 341, and allows for transistor 311 to
be turned off very quickly--for example, if the r.sub.DS impedance
for transistors 372 and 374 is 0.1 Ohm and transistor 311 has an
input capacitance of 9 nF, then the RC time constant is about 900
picoseconds. With circuit block 396 in place, the transistor 341
will require a time several orders of magnitude longer to turn on
than transistor 311 requires to turn off--if the effective input
impedance of transistor 341 includes 9 nF (5 nF from transistor 341
and 4 nF from capacitor 384) and 100 Ohm from resistor 384, then
the RC time constant is about 900 nanoseconds, or three orders of
magnitude longer. Hence, the combination of a relatively large
impedance resistor 382 and balancing capacitor 384 prevents the
power source 110 from being shorted across the transistors without
recourse to software and additional output lines on a
microprocessor.
[0058] Turning back again to the logical block diagram 300 of FIG.
3A, in addition to voltage level transfer, buffering may be
necessary for driving the H-bridge 315. In the block diagram 300,
there is shown the use of buffers 322, 324, 326, and 328 and bridge
drivers 332, 334, 336, and 338. In the embodiment shown in circuit
350 of FIG. 3B, the buffers and bridge drivers are implemented as
CMOS inverting buffers 323, 325, 327, and 329 (two each for the
positive lines and one each for the negative lines) and bridge
drivers 333, 335, 337, and 339.
[0059] The second embodiment of the driver circuit, circuit 375 of
FIG. 3C, provides some additional advantages over the circuit 350
shown in FIG. 3B in working with higher currents. In circuit 375,
CMOS inverting buffers 364, 366, 368, 370 are also used to supply
input to the bridge drivers 391 and 393. (An extra CMOS inverting
buffer 362 is placed in series with the inputs to positive line
inverting buffers 368 and 370.) But in addition to the bridge
drivers 391 and 393, circuit 375 adds transistor buffers 372, 374,
376, and 378 in order to decrease switching rates of the H-bridge
transistors 311, 321,331, and 341 in circuit 375. The resistors 382
and 386 and capacitors 384 and 388, together with the transistor
buffers 372, 374, 376, and 378, provide a complementary MOSFET
emitter follower buffer for the H-bridge transistors.
[0060] The H-bridge 315 is an important component of the driver
300. The H-bridge is shown also in circuits 350 and 375 (in FIGS.
3B and 3C), but is not drawn in a traditional bridge layout shown
in FIG. 3A. An H-bridge generally includes four MOSFETs (two
n-channel and two p-channel, all enhancement type) that allow a
load current to be reversed as desired. As mentioned above, bipolar
transistors could also be used to build a similar bridge, but
MOSFETs are superior for a variety of reasons, such as lower
resistance when active.
[0061] Table 1 is a state table for an embodiment of the H-bridge.
As shown in Table 1, only two states (COM Mark and COM Space) are
generally used while the system is in operation. Unused but
nondestructive states are also shown in Table 1 for additional
clarification of H-bridge operation. Destructive states include
those states in which transistors 310 and 340 or transistors 320
and 330 are turned on at the same time, resulting in a short
circuit of the power source 110. The DC voltage polarity of the
+NOM and -NOM lines is swapped as the H-bridge switches between the
COM Mark and COM Space states. This voltage polarity reversal
allows for information to be sent from the controller
microprocessor 125 to the nodes and eventually to the node
microprocessors.
1TABLE 1 H-Bridge States High/Low COM COM On/X[o]ff Mark Space Off
Unused States +P H L L H L +N L H L L H -P L H L H L +N H L L L H
Transistor 310 O X X O X Transistor 320 X O X X O Transistor 330 X
O X O X Transistor 340 O X X X O +NOM H/O L/O X H/O L/O -NOM L/O
H/O X H/O L/O
[0062] In FIGS. 4A and 4B, two embodiments of node circuits
(circuits 400 and 425) with active current sink, node
microprocessor 185, and load output lines (+POW and -POW) are
shown. Each node includes a full-wave bridge rectifier 410 with a
capacitor 402 that is selected to match the load. Each node circuit
also includes a level transfer network of resistor 404 and
transistor 406. The level transfer network drives an active current
sink that comprises the network of transistor 406, CMOS transistor
420, and optionally (as shown in circuit 425 of FIG. 4B) bipolar
transistor 418 with current control resistor 422. The diodes 424
and 426 in FIG. 4B serve to protect the active current sink when
voltage polarity is switched by the driver 120. When data sent as a
voltage polarity reversal is received on the +NOM and -NOM lines,
the detector network comprising transistor 416, base resistor 414,
and load resistor 412 convert the voltage polarity reversal into a
signal that can be read at Rx by node microprocessor 185. An
embodiment of the pin-out assignment for a controller or node
microprocessor is shown in FIG. 8. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, a
MOTOROLA 68HC908 series KX8 microprocessor is shown.
[0063] The present invention also comprises a method for
transmitting both power and bidirectional data over a set of wires.
Power is provided as a uniform DC voltage on the set of wires. In
an embodiment of the method, data is transmitted from a controller
through the set of wires to a node by switching the polarity of the
DC voltage on the set of wires and data is transmitted from the
node to the controller through the set of wires by active sinking
current at the node.
[0064] In accordance with an embodiment of the method of the
present invention, when a power source is connected and the
controller microprocessor 125 is initiated, the controller
microprocessor 125 waits for the steady-state condition (in an
embodiment, the COM Mark state) to be established before data is
transmitted. Data issues from the controller microprocessor 125
through the +P, +N, -P and -N outputs (see FIGS. 1, 3A, and 3B) and
is sent to corresponding inputs on the driver 120. In the COM Mark
state, battery 110 power is placed on the +NOM line. Referring to
the embodiment of the driver 120 shown in FIG. 3B, when transistor
320 is off, transistor 330 is off and transistor 340 is on, and the
battery ground is placed on the -NOM line.
[0065] In such an embodiment, the nominal lines feed the nodes (for
example, nodes 140, 160, and 180) through the +NOM line and -NOM
line into the diode bridge 410 and capacitor 402, charging
capacitor 402 and initializing the node microprocessors (for
example, 145, 165, and 185) at each node. When the Tx data line
from the node microprocessors has a digital high (that is, a
digital "1"), the active current sink (including, in an embodiment,
resistor 408, diode 424, transistors 418 and 420, and resistor 422)
is off--current is not sunk. In such a state, the -NOM line is low,
and transistor 416 is off, giving Rx data a digital high.
[0066] Having achieved the steady-state, the method may proceed by
transmission of data from the controller to the nodes. When the
controller microprocessor 125 begins to send out a byte of data,
the start space of the first byte places a digital low (that is, a
"0"or zero) on all controller lines (+P, +N, -P, and -N), turning
off voltage translators 362, 364, 366 and 368. The inputs to the
buffers 323, 325, 327, and 329 are all digital highs, making the
outputs of the noninverting buffers (323 and 327) digital high so
that their corresponding bridge drivers (333 and 337) are digital
high, and the transistors 310 and 320 are off. At about the same
time, the outputs of inverting buffers 325 and 329 are low, making
the outputs of their corresponding bridge drivers (335 and 339) low
so that the output transistors 330 and 340 are also off. Thus, at
the beginning of data transmission from the controller to the
nodes, the +NOM line and the -NOM line float at a high impedance.
In an embodiment, this state exists for less than about one
microsecond.
[0067] After the initial blank (or "OFF" state), the controller
microprocessor 125 outputs switch to +P low, +N high, -P high, and
-N low (or the "COM Space" state). In the COM Space state,
translator 364 turns on. When the output of 364 goes low, the
outputs of buffer 325 and its bridge driver 335 go high, turning on
output transistor 340, so that the +NOM line goes low. The -P
output from the controller microprocessor 125 goes high at the same
time, making the output of translator 366 go low (along with the
corresponding buffer 327 and bridge driver 337), turning on output
transistor 320 so that the -NOM line goes high. This change on the
nominal lines to the COM Space state is felt at all the nodes
connected by the set of wires (for example, 140, 160, and 180).
[0068] In an embodiment of the method, the bridge rectifier 410 at
each node receives the positive voltage on the -NOM line, and the
negative voltage on the +NOM line. Each bridge rectifier 410 places
positive power on output +POW and -POW. The system is stable in the
COM Space state. The next bit from the controller microprocessor
125 will be sent in the COM Mark state, such that all the
controller microprocessor 125 output lines go low again, turning
off the translators 362, 364, 366 and 368, and subsequently turning
off the output driver transistors 310, 320, 330 and 340. As before,
in the COM Mark state, the system floats the +NOM line and -NOM
line. In an embodiment, going from the COM Space state to the COM
Mark state takes less than a microsecond.
[0069] In the COM Mark state, the -NOM line is detected as low at
transistor 416, turning it off. The load resistor 412 pulls the Rx
data line high, designating a mark (digital high) on the Rx data
input to the node microprocessor 185 (in FIGS. 4A and 4B).
Conversely, in the COM Space state, the -NOM line is detected as
high at transistor 416, allowing current to flow and pulling the Rx
data input to the node microprocessor 185 low, thereby designating
a space. Sequential reversals of polarity on the +NOM and -NOM
lines are thus effective for creating a digital signal on the Rx
data input to the node microprocessor 185. In addition, the bridge
rectifier 410 switches the power of the input lines to the proper
polarities for +POW and -POW on each node. In an embodiment of the
present invention, each time the controller microprocessor 125
changes the system state from COM Mark to COM Space, the above
method is carried out through cooperation between the various
components of the system.
[0070] After data has been received at a node, a node
microprocessor 185 may begin to transmit data. The digital data
from the node microprocessor 185 appears at the Tx data output
line, normally as a digital high. When the Tx line goes high,
transistor 406 switches on and the active current sink (including,
in an embodiment, resistor 408, diode 424, transistors 418 and 420,
and resistor 422) turns off. When the Tx line goes low, transistor
406 switches off and allows the active current sink to operate.
When the active current sink is operating, current flows through
resistor 408, pulling the gate of transistor 418 high and turning
on transistor 420. When transistor 420 is on, current flows in
source resistor 422; as current increases, the voltage across
resistor 422 rises to a point at which transistor 418 will turn on,
pulling the gate of transistor 420 down until a steady and constant
current is flowing through resistor 422 and diode 424. Data is
effectively sent through the set of wires, since the sinking of
current is felt on the +NOM line and thereby returned to the
current receiver circuit (for example, circuits 200 or 250).
[0071] On passing through the driver 120, the current is translated
through transistor 330 from the -NOM line to Battery Ground, and
the current is also translated through output driver 310 from the
+NOM line to the V/C I/O line. The V/C I/O line also runs to a
sensor (for example, the hall sensor 255 or current sensing
resistor 215). Embodiments of a method for sensing the current
signal through a current receiver circuit 105 (for example,
circuits 200 or 250) are described in the foregoing.
[0072] In an embodiment, the method and system described in the
foregoing are used in accordance with a communications protocol
designed for use with the present invention ("the protocol"). In
other embodiments of the present invention, a different
communications protocol--for example, the LIN protocol or CAN
protocol--might be used. However, the protocol described herein
provides advantages over other communications protocols that might
be used with the system and method of the present invention because
it is designed for communications over a set of two wires.
[0073] In an embodiment of the protocol, data flow is structured
into 9-bit words. Each word includes eight bits for address and
command information and a ninth parity bit for use with error
correction routines (for example, the parity bit may be set high so
that the number of bits high in any word is odd; whenever a non-odd
total is received by a microprocessor, an error correction routine
may be initiated).
[0074] The address information, which may be carried by 9-bit words
in the protocol, is associated with a data structure defined by how
nodes are used in a particular embodiment of the system. The
protocol does not distinguish, in an embodiment, between nodes with
sensor loads and nodes with actuator loads. For example, in an
embodiment of the system in which 32 sensor or actuator nodes are
connected to a set of wires, each node having 4 sub-nodes, the
address space for the protocol reserves hexadecimal addresses $00
to $7F (corresponding to 32.times.4=128 distinct addresses) for use
in addressing the nodes and sub-nodes. In another embodiment,
rather than sub-nodes, the four addresses reserved for each of the
nodes might be assigned to a sub-function of the node.
[0075] As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
art, the system of the present invention may be adapted for use
with any of a variety of communications rates. In an embodiment, a
31.25 kbaud has been adopted, which allows for data transfer rates
of about 350 microseconds/9-bit word.
[0076] Command information, which may be carried in a 9-bit word in
the protocol, is set up so that specific commands are associated
with specific 8-bit (binary) numbers that begin with $80
(hexadecimal) immediately after the end of the reserved addresses.
Table 2 shows an embodiment of how commands are assigned within the
protocol.
2TABLE 2 An Embodiment of Protocol Commands COMMAND CODE
(Hexadecimal) DESCRIPTION OF COMMAND BLANK Notification of start of
address or command sequence $80 Collect Data $81 Shift Data $82
Poll Sensors $83 Alert All Addresses $84 Actuator Report $85
Actuator Error Report $86 Actuator Status $87 Sensor Report $88
Sensor Error Report $89 Sensor Status $8A Node Error Indicator
[0077] As shown in the embodiment of Table 2, a "BLANK" signal
indicates that a word with an address or command is to follow. When
the BLANK signal is followed by $80, the address of a sensor node
immediately follows. "Collect Data" is a standard command used to
collect new information from nodes for the controller (described
further below). The "Shift Data" ($81) command, which follows
address and command sequences, is used to place all data reported
from a sub-function (usually associated with a sensor) at a sensor
node onto the actuator output. The Shift Data command thus allows
feedback loops to be established between sensor input and actuator
output using the system of the present invention. Also shown in the
embodiment of the command structure show in Table 2 is the "Poll
Sensors" command, which is executed, in an embodiment, every one or
two seconds in order to verify the integrity of the system
configuration. "Alert All Addresses" is used to notify all
addresses (in an embodiment, $00 to $7F) that a command sequence
will follow next. "Actuator Report" and "Sensor Report" commands
request data from all actuators or sensors in the address space,
whereas "Actuator Error Report," "Actuator Status," "Sensor Error
Report," and "Sensor Status" commands are directed only to active
actuators or sensors. Finally, in an embodiment, the "Node Error
Indicator" command is used to notify the controller microprocessor
when a node has experienced an error of some kind. In one
embodiment, 16 bytes of RAM are set aside in the microprocessor
memories for tracking errors of this kind.
[0078] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, there are shown timing diagrams
for a complete, structured communication between a controller
microprocessor and a node microprocessor. FIG. 9 shows an
embodiment of structured communication in response to a Poll Sensor
command, and FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of structured
communication in response to a Shift Data command, both in
accordance with the protocol described herein.
[0079] Turning first to FIG. 9, there is shown how a structured
communication between a controller and a node microprocessor
begins, in an embodiment, with a BLANK command. The system rests in
the COM Mark state (described above). The BLANK command, in such an
embodiment, results when the H-bridge reverses polarity into the
COM Space state. After the BLANK command, the controller
microprocessor issues a Poll Sensors command (in an embodiment,
$82) that includes parity bits, as described above. The Poll
Sensors command, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, is first sent to the
node that has been assigned address $00. After the address
information has been sent (by voltage polarity reversal) on the set
of wires to node $00, the H-bridge reverts to the COM Mark state.
The controller processor then waits to receive data from the node
microprocessor (through the current sensor and current receiver
circuit).
[0080] As shown in FIG. 9, the data from the sensor at node $00 is
then sent by actively sinking current at node $00, according to the
method and system for active current sinking described above. In an
embodiment, data sent by a node in response to the Poll Sensors
command comprises its own address plus a parity bit; the node
repeats and reflects its own address back to the controller. Having
received this data from node $00, the controller switches back to
the COM Space state in preparation for polling address $01. After
node address $01 has been sent (by voltage polarity reversal), the
microprocessor at node address $01 responds with data for node $01.
Although the timing diagram of FIG. 9 shows the sequence only for
node addresses $00 and $01, the sequence then repeats for all nodes
in the address space (in an embodiment, from $00 to $7F). In an
embodiment, the data received in response to the Poll Sensors
command is stored, in memory at the controller microprocessor, in
an active sensor file.
[0081] Another sequence of commands, addresses, and responses
usually follows the sequence shown in FIG. 9. In an embodiment of
the protocol, after a Poll Sensors command, the controller
processor issues the Collect Data command. The controller processor
switches to the COM Space state (i.e., sends a BLANK), sends the
$80 (Collect Data command), and then sends the first active sensor
address (for example, $AA).
[0082] In response, the node microprocessor at address $AA will
send a 9-bit word that reflects the state of the sensor at address
$AA. For example, if the sensor at address $AA is a switch, and the
switch is closed, the node microprocessor may send (using an active
current sink) a $FF in response. In an embodiment, the controller
processor retransmits the response ($FF) back to the node
microprocessor. The same sequence is then repeated for the next
active node address. The sequence repeats until data has been
collected from every active node address in the system.
[0083] Although in the example described above only one 9-bit word
(one byte plus one parity bit) is sent from a node microprocessor
to a controller microprocessor, it should be understood that the
protocol can be configured to allow for additional words to be sent
from each node microprocessor to the controller microprocessor--for
example, when a node microprocessor is capable of sending a stream
of analog data (converted from analog to digital at the node). The
node and controller microprocessors can be programmed, in
accordance with the protocol, for sending and receiving a specified
number of bytes in each transmission.
[0084] Turning now to FIG. 10, there is shown an embodiment of how,
after the Collect Data command has been executed, data may be
placed on the actuators from the sensors at a node using the Shift
Data command. Again, the controller microprocessor indicates that a
new command or address will follow by issuing a BLANK. The Shift
Data (in an embodiment, $81) command is then issued, after which
all active nodes transfer commanded data to actuator outputs.
During this data shift, the controller processor maintains the
H-bridge in the COM Space state, effectively holding a long BLANK
so that the power line settles before additional data is
transferred.
[0085] After the Shift Data command, the protocol may include a
sequence, including issuance of an Actuator Error Report, to each
active node, in which (similar to the Collect Data command) each
active node reports errors back to the controller microprocessor
and then receives instructions on how to handle the errors. As may
be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, other command
sequences may follow, depending on the configuration of sensors and
actuators used with the system of the present invention. With a
31.25 kbaud communications rate, the entire communications sequence
(including error recognition, diagnostics, and performance
monitoring) can be repeated once every 5 seconds. Finally, in
accordance with an embodiment of the protocol of the present
invention, the errors at each microprocessor may be cleared by
placing a zero on the power-on reset.
[0086] The method and system of the present invention may be
installed in a variety of physical environments. An example of an
embodiment in which the present invention is installed in an
automobile is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Referring to FIG. 5A, the
automobile 500 (which is, in an embodiment, a military vehicle) is
equipped with an alternator and a battery 510 that act as a power
source 110. The controller microprocessor and current receiver
circuit are installed in controller box 520. From the controller
box 520, power and bidirectional data are transmitted to the rear
accessory bus 530 on a set of wires, which may, for example,
control the tail lights 540 or other actuators (or sensors). Also
electrically connected to the controller box 520 by a set of wires
are gauges 550 and switches 580 (digital and analog sensors), which
are installed as loads on one or more nodes within the automobile
500. In addition, a front accessory bus 560 is installed in the
automobile 500 for more sensors and actuators--for example, to
monitor power and control vehicle accessories such as headlights.
In such an embodiment, the rear and front accessory buses 530 and
560 are used to simplify installation and maintenance of the system
and are not necessary for the system to be operational, since an
electrical connection to the controller box 520 through a set of
wires in any mechanical configuration allows power and control of
node devices.
[0087] In another embodiment, the present invention may be
installed in an aircraft, as shown in FIG. 6. The use of the system
and method of the present invention improves the robustness,
survivability, and ease-of-maintenance of aircraft, such as the
military aircraft of FIG. 6.
[0088] In military applications, avionics equipment is of primary
concern. Damage suffered during combat missions or during
electromagnetic countermeasures requires multiply redundant wiring
that, ideally, is physically routed through widely separated
portions of the aircraft. In practice, these requirements have been
extremely difficult because of physical limits on weight and power.
Using the present invention, the majority of wires in such an
installation is eliminated.
[0089] Turning to FIG. 6, in such an embodiment a generator 610
attached to the engine acts as a power source for the system. Power
is centralized in a controller assembly 620 and matched with
control circuitry from the cockpit 630. From the controller
assembly 620, a variety of sensors or actuators 640 are loaded onto
nodes connected to a single set of wires in a plurality of
locations within the aircraft. Because of the savings in weight and
power, each set of wires may be heavily armor-plated, improving the
reliability and survivability of aircraft electronics. In addition,
since wiring is simpler in number and complexity, maintenance time
may be reduced. The present invention may even be used to produce
plug-and-play or snap-in modules and electronic components. Simpler
maintenance translates into faster training, lower cost, greater
theater flexibility, and less depot time. Similar advantages are
achieved with nonmilitary aircraft. As much as 80% of the wiring
installed in a large aircraft, such as a BOEING 757, might be
replaceable by the set of wires used in accordance with the present
invention.
[0090] In still another embodiment, the present invention is
installed in a building, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In such an
embodiment, a complete computer network is run from a single power
supply 710 and master controller 720. Power is received at a
building, for example, in the form of a 120V AC line from a power
company. A DC converter or battery 710 converts the power to DC and
sends the power to a master controller 720. A single set of wires
is pre-installed in the walls of the building, with universal power
outlets spaced physically apart at locations throughout the
building. The same common set of wires connects all other computers
and peripherals to the system 700, including personal computers 730
and 740, personal printers 750, scanners 770, and shared printers
760. The power supply 710 handles both the conversion of AC to DC
and emergency power (for example, through a battery).
[0091] Most computer equipment operates on a 12V power supply. As a
result, using the system and method of the present invention, heavy
and expensive voltage converters may be removed from every device
connected to the system (power supplies are the most likely to fail
of any computer component). In addition, each unit attached to the
system has a unique address that allows for it to be distinguished
uniquely, allowing more efficient data transfer and security
measures impossible with traditional methods for transmitting power
and data.
[0092] The system 700 is robust for several reasons. First, since
the set of wires comprises all the power and data flow needed to
operate any connected unit, it may be pre-installed throughout the
building, with universal wall plugs allowing for easy installation
and movement of components. Second, since all units (or nodes)
share a power and data line, nodes can communicate with other nodes
by sending messages through the master controller 720 (in addition
to normal methods, such as a parallel cable connecting a personal
computer 740 and personal printer 750). The system 700 is thus more
intelligent and adaptable than alternatives currently available.
Third, since power and data are monitored and controlled from the
master controller 720, the system is more secure and reliable; it
is built to monitor how equipment is used (and, thus, can stop
equipment from being used illegally).
[0093] FIG. 8 is provided as an example of the pin-out structure
for a typical controller or node microprocessor. The microprocessor
shown in FIG. 8 is a MOTOROLA 68HC908 series KX8 microprocessor,
and FIG. 8 indicates how the pins of the microprocessor are to be
connected to battery ground, +P, +N, -P, -N, +5 V, Rx, and Tx, in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0094] The use of the terms "a," "an," and "the," and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values
herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value
is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples or
exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended
merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a
limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed.
No language in the specification should be construed as indicating
any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the
invention.
[0095] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Of course, variations of those preferred
embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art upon reading the foregoing description. The specific impedance
values given for circuit components in exemplary embodiments of the
present invention in particular should not be construed as
limitations on the scope of the present invention, since those of
skill in the art are familiar with various alternative embodiments
in which a specific impedance value might be modified or eliminated
from an electronic circuit. The inventors expect skilled artisans
to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend
for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *